The Canadian Coast Guard has confirmed what was on the barge that ran aground off of Quadra Island on Saturday.
According to the coast guard, there were three rail cars with product on the barge. One rail car has compressed CO2 and the others contain a corrosion inhibitor.
All other containers and rail cars were empty, as is the hull of the barge. Kiri Westnedge, a spokesperson with the coast guard, said the rail cars are individually secured and raised above deck.
At around 8 p.m. on Nov. 10, the Canadian Coast Guard received a report that a barge being towed by a tug had grounded north of Cape Mudge.
The tug, the U.S.-registered Polar King, was not damaged and the six people aboard were safe and not injured.
But the hull of the barge, called the Nana Provider, was compromised. The barge is registered in the U.S. and belongs to Alaska Marine Lines, whose parent company is Lynden Logistic.
On Monday, Transport Canada said crews were working to refloat and assess the barge. Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard were reviewing a salvage plan. Transport Canada said once the barge is refloated, it will be towed to a facility in nearby Campbell River.
The coast guard said Tuesday the owner of the barge has contracted a naval architect and salvage master who are now on scene. The barge is set to be refloated once a salvage plan and safety measures are approved and in place. The owner of the barge is responsible for all the costs.
Westnedge said there is no sign of marine pollution. The coast guard does have a Pollution Response Vessel in the area to monitor the barge. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have also responded to the area.
CHEK News
